Related Links

WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- A professional male professional athlete has finally come out and admitted he's gay.

The Washington Wizards are showing support for their player (he played six game for the team this season) by releasing this statement:

"We are extremely proud of Jason and support his decision to live his life proudly and openly. He has been a leader on and off the court and an outstanding teammate throughout his NBA career. Those qualities will continue to serve him both as a player and as a positive role model for others of all sexual orientation," Washington Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld said in an Email to the media.

Jason Collins came out in Sports Illustrated in the May 6, 2013 issue. Below is an excerpt:

"I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay.

I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation. I wish I wasn't the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, "I'm different." If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I'm raising my hand.

My journey of self-discovery and self-acknowledgement began in my hometown of Los Angeles and has taken me through two state high school championships, the NCAA Final Four and the Elite Eight, and nine playoffs in 12 NBA seasons."